Comparing Intravenous and Oral Paracetamol for Cholecystectomy

Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous and Oral Paracetamol in the Peri-Operative Period of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

To determine the amount of paracetamol in the blood when given in either intravenous or oral forms prior to cholecystectomy. The clinical effectiveness of each form will also be evaluated with pain scores and the use of other pain relief drugs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females aged 18-75
• Scheduled to have elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inadequate English comprehension (difficult to obtain informed consent and cooperation), and when interpreters are not available.
• History of allergy or sensitivity to paracetamol
• Administration of oral paracetamol within previous 8 hours
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade IV or V, indicating serious cardio-respiratory co-morbidity
• Not suitable for protocol anaesthetic technique (eg: history of nausea and vomiting with morphine)